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Madrid Open 2026: Jannik Sinner stops Rafael Jodar to book semifinal spot  Jannik Sinner ended the inspired run of teen home favourite Rafael Jodar with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) victory at the Madrid Open on Wednesday to complete his set of semifinals reached at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.The 19-year-old Jodar has taken the tour by storm this clay season, winning a maiden ATP title in Marrakesh, and making the semifinals in Barcelona and the quarterfinals in Madrid before he was stopped by the world number one at the Caja Magica.This time last year, Jodar was playing college tennis for the University of Virginia and was ranked 687 in the world. He will crack the top 35 when the new rankings are released on Monday.Sinner was seriously tested before he extended his current winning streak to 21 consecutive matches.The world number one will face Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Fils in Friday’s semifinal.ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinalsThe first-set scoreline may have read 6-2 but it was far from a routine affair for Sinner, who found himself facing a young opponent who could match his firepower, particularly on the forehand wing.The Italian was tested in multiple service games, including a marathon one at 2-2, and had to save a pair of break points before he took a one-set lead in 44 minutes.Leaning on the rowdy home support that included several Real Madrid stars, past and present, Jodar skirted danger at the start of the second set and put pressure on the Sinner serve.But despite his best efforts, Jodar couldn’t convert any of the five break points he created as Sinner levelled for 4-4.The set fittingly went to a tiebreak, which was dominated by Sinner, who won the last 11 points of the match to advance to his first Madrid semifinal.Published on Apr 29, 2026  #Madrid #Open #Jannik #Sinner #stops #Rafael #Jodar #book #semifinal #spot

Madrid Open 2026: Jannik Sinner stops Rafael Jodar to book semifinal spot

Jannik Sinner ended the inspired run of teen home favourite Rafael Jodar with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) victory at the Madrid Open on Wednesday to complete his set of semifinals reached at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.

The 19-year-old Jodar has taken the tour by storm this clay season, winning a maiden ATP title in Marrakesh, and making the semifinals in Barcelona and the quarterfinals in Madrid before he was stopped by the world number one at the Caja Magica.

This time last year, Jodar was playing college tennis for the University of Virginia and was ranked 687 in the world. He will crack the top 35 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

Sinner was seriously tested before he extended his current winning streak to 21 consecutive matches.

The world number one will face Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Fils in Friday’s semifinal.

ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinals

The first-set scoreline may have read 6-2 but it was far from a routine affair for Sinner, who found himself facing a young opponent who could match his firepower, particularly on the forehand wing.

The Italian was tested in multiple service games, including a marathon one at 2-2, and had to save a pair of break points before he took a one-set lead in 44 minutes.

Leaning on the rowdy home support that included several Real Madrid stars, past and present, Jodar skirted danger at the start of the second set and put pressure on the Sinner serve.

But despite his best efforts, Jodar couldn’t convert any of the five break points he created as Sinner levelled for 4-4.

The set fittingly went to a tiebreak, which was dominated by Sinner, who won the last 11 points of the match to advance to his first Madrid semifinal.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#Madrid #Open #Jannik #Sinner #stops #Rafael #Jodar #book #semifinal #spot

Jannik Sinner ended the inspired run of teen home favourite Rafael Jodar with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) victory at the Madrid Open on Wednesday to complete his set of semifinals reached at all nine Masters 1000 tournaments.

The 19-year-old Jodar has taken the tour by storm this clay season, winning a maiden ATP title in Marrakesh, and making the semifinals in Barcelona and the quarterfinals in Madrid before he was stopped by the world number one at the Caja Magica.

This time last year, Jodar was playing college tennis for the University of Virginia and was ranked 687 in the world. He will crack the top 35 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

Sinner was seriously tested before he extended his current winning streak to 21 consecutive matches.

The world number one will face Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Fils in Friday’s semifinal.

ALSO READ: Sinner criticises schedule after surging into Madrid quarterfinals

The first-set scoreline may have read 6-2 but it was far from a routine affair for Sinner, who found himself facing a young opponent who could match his firepower, particularly on the forehand wing.

The Italian was tested in multiple service games, including a marathon one at 2-2, and had to save a pair of break points before he took a one-set lead in 44 minutes.

Leaning on the rowdy home support that included several Real Madrid stars, past and present, Jodar skirted danger at the start of the second set and put pressure on the Sinner serve.

But despite his best efforts, Jodar couldn’t convert any of the five break points he created as Sinner levelled for 4-4.

The set fittingly went to a tiebreak, which was dominated by Sinner, who won the last 11 points of the match to advance to his first Madrid semifinal.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

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#Madrid #Open #Jannik #Sinner #stops #Rafael #Jodar #book #semifinal #spot

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Deadspin | Blue Jays’ George Springer trending toward return vs. Red Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28810032.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28810032.jpg" alt="MLB: Cleveland Guardians at Toronto Blue Jays" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder George Springer (4) gets ready for batting practice before a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Toronto Blue Jays could have George Springer back in the lineup Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game series with the visiting Boston Red Sox.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Blue Jays ended Boston’s three-game winning streak with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Springer has been on the injured list with a broken left big toe. The injury was sustained when he fouled off a pitch on April 11 vs. Minnesota. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Springer hit and ran again on Tuesday, and manager John Schneider said if all goes well he could be reinstated from the IL on Wednesday. He would stabilize the leadoff spot in the lineup as designated hitter.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Springer said he expects to still feel some pain in the toe for the next few weeks.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I know it’s going to be there, and it is what it is,” he said. “My swing was in a good place, not bad for not being out there for a while. So I’ll take it for sure.” </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Springer was batting .185 with two homers and six RBIs at the time of his injury. He was a major factor in Toronto’s success last season when he batted .309 with 32 homers, 84 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He hit .284 with four homers and 10 RBIs in the postseason.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Boston is scheduled to start right-hander Brayan Bello (1-3, 9.00 ERA) on Wednesday. He is 3-6 with a 5.20 ERA in 11 career starts vs. the Blue Jays, including 0-2 with a 4.09 ERA in two starts against them in 2025.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>With Max Scherzer on the injured list with forearm and ankle issues, left-hander Eric Lauer (1-3, 6.75 ERA) is scheduled to start for Toronto. He is 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA in four career games (two starts) against Boston.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Springer would be the second Blue Jay to return from the IL in two days. Right-hander Trey Yesavage pitched 5 1/3 innings on Tuesday to earn the win after starting the season on the IL with an impingement in his right shoulder. </p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“When you’re missing some key guys, it’s hard to form an identity on the fly or to try not to do too much on the fly,” Schneider said. “So as we get these guys back, you get a little bit back to normal and you get back to just what you’re used to doing.” </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Boston stranded a runner at third base in both the first and second innings Tuesday and did not have a hit in the game after the fourth.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“I thought our best opportunities were early in the game,” said Chad Tracy, who lost for the first time in three games as the Red Sox’s interim manager. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“The at-bats the first couple of innings against Yesavage were pretty good. We had base runners, and it’s a spot against a guy like that where you’re looking to see if you can pop a two-out hit. After about the midway point of the third, he kind of settled in. And we didn’t do a whole lot after that.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>The Red Sox have been shut out three times this season. </p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Boston second baseman Marcelo Mayer went 1-for-3 Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to a career-best seven games. He is batting .429 (9-for-21) with three doubles and four RBIs during the streak.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Blue #Jays #George #Springer #trending #return #Red #Sox

Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores  Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.  The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.  “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”  Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.  “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”  Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.   “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”  Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.   Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.  Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #FloresApr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”


Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”

Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores">Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores  Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images   Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.  The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.  “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”  Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.  “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”  Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.   “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”  Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.   Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.  Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores

Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports  A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana.

South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington   A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday.  He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class.  Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns.  After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.  Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons.  1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami)  2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia.  3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago)   4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)  5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.)  6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)  7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)  8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah)  9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)  10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247SportsA general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington

A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday.

He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns.

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons.

1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami)

2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia.


3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago)

4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)

5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.)

6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)

7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)

8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah)

9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)

10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports">Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports  A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana.

South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington   A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday.  He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class.  Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns.  After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.  Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons.  1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami)  2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia.  3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago)   4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)  5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.)  6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)  7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)  8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah)  9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)  10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports

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